Richard Phipson (1827-84). To describe
Phipson as a major 19th century architect would be unfair, both
to him and to other 19th century architects. But his influence in
East Anglia was huge, not least because he was Norwich diocesan
architect between 1871 and 1884. Any plans at that time would
have passed through his hands, and perhaps that is why there were
no outrageous restorations or rebuildings during these years in
East Suffolk or Norfolk (at that time, East Suffolk churches were
in the Diocese of Norwich). Phipson was not burdened with a vivid
imagination, but he was a meticulous stickler for detail, not
missing a beat when it comes to the fine-tuning, from the
flushwork on the exterior walls, through the interior tiling to
high-camp reredoses. Many smaller-scale restorations are also
his; anywhere reasonably sensible, reasonably restrained was
probably his. It is hard to find a church in the Stowmarket area
or Waveney Valley that does not bear his impress.